Collagen-laponite nanoclay hydrogels for tumor spheroid growth

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important regulatory role in the development and progression of tumoral tissue. Its functions and properties are crucial in determining tumor cell behavior such as invasion, migration, and malignancy development. Our study explores the role of collagen type I...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Alamán-Díez, P.; Borau, C.; Guerrero, P. E.; Amaveda, H.; Mora, M.; Fraile, J. M.; García-Gareta, E.; García-Aznar, J. M.; Pérez, M. Á.
Tipo de documento: Artículo
Estado:Published version
Fecha de publicación:2023
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Zaragoza
Repositorio:Zaguán. Repositorio Digital de la Universidad de Zaragoza
OAI Identifier:oai:zaguan.unizar.es:126545
Acceso en línea:http://zaguan.unizar.es/record/126545
Nivel de acceso:Acceso abierto
Descripción
Sumario:The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important regulatory role in the development and progression of tumoral tissue. Its functions and properties are crucial in determining tumor cell behavior such as invasion, migration, and malignancy development. Our study explores the role of collagen type I in cancer development and spread using engineered tumor models like multicellular spheroids grown in collagen-based hydrogels to simulate early tumor formation. We employ microfluidic techniques to test the hypothesis that (i) adding Laponite nanoclay to collagen hydrogels modifies mechanical and rheological properties and (ii) changing the stiffness of the collagen microenvironment affects tumor spheroid growth. Our findings support our theories and suggest the use of ECM components and engineered tumor models in cancer research, offering a biocompatible and biomimetic method to tailor the mechanical properties of conventional collagen hydrogels.